Upcoming Fatherhood

[By Corey]

In the Expecting Fathers class I took a couple of weeks ago, the instructor encouraged all the dads to write down what fatherhood meant to them and what kind of father they wanted to be. At first I dismissed it, but now, on second thought, maybe it’s not such a bad idea. And why not put it on the blog for easy reference (and reminder)—sort of like putting a New Year’s resolution on here.

For starters, this is to Jenny, because I think being a good father starts with being a good husband. I may not have fulfilled my promise for back scratches every night when you got pregnant, but I did pretty well. And when it comes to changing diapers, burping (him not me), late night feedings and keeping the neighborhood safe with Roxy patrol, I promise to do my part, even when I’m back at work and you’re watching Oprah eating bon bons (read: changing baby, feeding baby, burping baby, swaddling baby, rinse, repeat). But going beyond the diaper years, I want you to know that we’re in it together deciding what we think is best for Mini Moran. (Jackson—if it feels like we’re teaming up against you, it’s because we are.)

Jackson-

My promise to you is to give you everything you need, and some of what you want. I promise to play catch and take you to your first Mariners game. I’ll teach you how to shoot a jump shot and how to shoot a photo; how to drive a stick and how to change a tire; how to tie your shoes and how to tie your tie (just not a bow tie). And by the time you can read this, know that algebra’s up next.

Although you don’t have to play a sport or play an instrument, you do need to give them a chance.

I can’t wait to see you play with Roxy, learn how to walk, learn your ABC's, score your first goal--and to accomplish everything you want to accomplish. But in the meantime, I can’t wait to meet you.

When you’re 15, you may not think I’m the most fun dad. When you’re 25, I hope you look back and think I was a fair dad. But if you look back at any point, I hope you feel like I was a dad who was always there when you needed me.

Love,

Corey/Dad